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Spanish food is a vibrant testament to the country’s diverse heritage. Hong Kongers just can’t seem to get enough of this spirited cuisine, as countless new concepts have come to join the fray, injecting the landscape with a fresh, youthful spirit. At Bayfare Social, the tapas-inspired neighbourhood bar-cum gastro market that is a part of Rosewood’s throng of restaurants, it is easy to overeat. Trays of flavourful and colourful dishes are continually carried about by servers. It has the same impact and effect as sushi served on a conveyor belt, mobile churrasco and dim-sum carts. Ensconced in tall chairs at the gleaming marble dining counters, you will continue to gather morsels and much more to munch on.


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As far as culinary traditions go, Spain has plenty to offer. Known for being outgoing and sociable by nature, Spaniards have a deep affinity for centring joyous occasions around a table full of food. Many would agree that a celebratory feast is an integral part of Mediterranean culture. Safe to say, there are no restrictions here, besides perhaps your budget.


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Yet, even with that particular concern, Head Chef Jor ge Ver a Gutiérrez’s offerings are as authentic as they can get without spending above one’s allotted budget. He says: “We assure our customers that the high quality of Spanish food we serve is value for money. People can really take a breather here, relax and enjoy the Spanish vibe.”



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Gutiérrez has developed a dining experience unlike any other in his lively restaurant – as much about the food as it is an immersion into the simple, thoughtful, self-effacing temperament of his homeland. In their efforts to build a food commune in a bustling city location, let alone in a hotel adjacent to a shopping mall, Gutierrez and his team just happened to have also created the finest place to eat Spanish food.


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This vibrant enclave is emphasised by the use of dangling ferns and wild leaves on the ceiling and the strategic placement of separate open preparation counters dedicated to wines, mains and other gastronomic offerings. It also plays with balance, from the traditional brown clay pot displays and the Machuca tiles to the edgy geometric accents and the quirky yet nostalgic menu.


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In true Spanish dining style, the elaborate spread is sure to enliven every celebration. There is charcuterie, tapas and a variety of paella. Everything is as splashy as the restaurant itself and hits a level 10 on the flavour scale. The new brunch menu, for example, begins with a refreshing and decadent seafood platter with jet-fresh Boston lobster, oysters and tiger prawns. The juicy Hokkaido shellfish in Scallop Tiradito – a Peruvian-inspired preparation – are enhanced by Spanish-style escabeche dressing and avocado.


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Even the lighter options make a bold impact. Starters are followed by traditional tapas of Ibérico Ham Croquetas with aioli, Padrón Peppers sprinkled with sea salt, and Chorizo a la Sidra, a classic appetiser of chorizo braised in cider.


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Following this eminently intriguing preamble are the hearty mains. Cochinillo Asado, the chef’s famous crispy-skinned roasted Spanish suckling pig with fried potatoes and homemade pork sauce, is smartly paired with a pan of Seafood Paella laden with clams, prawns, squid and aioli.


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The best finale to this exceptional weekend spread is an indulgent dessert, courtesy of the traditional Spanish treat of Churros dipped in chocolate or tart of the day.



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In Spain, gathering with friends and family to share food is a way of life that keeps people connected and is regarded as beneficial to mental health. Without fail, at the core of each gathering is a delicious spread, a tradition that Bayfare Social is committed to upholding. It not only delivers an authentic Spanish dining experience to Hong Kong but also surprises and delights with innovative twists and a huge helping of national pride.



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BAYFARE SOCIAL 5/F, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Rosewood &#8211; Hong Kong, +852 3981 8732



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Photos: Bayfare Social 



Video: Jack Fontanilla

Tapas Territory: The Spanish mains shine at Bayfare Social, where dining is a lively moving feast

Amor Agora – Delivering an authentic dining experience to Hong Kong

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To say that Hong Kong has a saturated dining scene would be something of an understatement, so for a restaurant to set itself apart from the crowd is a major challenge indeed. Chueca, a newly opened modern Spanish tapas restaurant tucked at one end of Gough Street in Central, does just that.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63375" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles.jpg" alt="chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-Chef-Jordi-Valles-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a>
Ably helmed by Chef Jordi Vallés, a Spaniard whose impressive CV includes stints as Executive Chef with the Aqua and Pirata dining groups, Chueca offers a deft blend of casually chic ambiance and authentic, flavour-packed dishes that have found favour among even the most discerning of the city’s eager epicureans. “We don’t claim we are a fine-dining establishment,” says Vallés of this winning formula. “Yet, every one of our dishes is a high-quality offering that takes the rustic flavours of Spain and gives it a refined touch. We source many of our ingredients directly from there to ensure our cuisine is truly authentic.”
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“In spite of the richness of the ingredients, Chef Vallés’ adroit touch ensures a melt-in-your-mouth lightness”
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Named after a bustling district of central Madrid, Chueca has a verandah-like frontage set with a long marble countertop for an al-fresco dining experience. The airiness is also reflected in the interiors, which boast wood and brass accents with a splash of aquamarine for good measure. The overall effect is refreshingly well balanced, providing a welcoming atmosphere from the outset.
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Eager to begin our own tasting, we dove right into an appetiser of Gambas Al Ajillo. A quintessential Spanish dish, the fresh tiger prawns were deep fried in delicious garlic-laden olive oil, with a sprinkling of chilli imparting a slight piquancy. Indulgent without being overwhelmingly greasy, it was a worthy opening act.
Next to arrive was Chef’s Canelón, one of Chueca’s signatures. For the uninitiated, a canelón is a pasta roll stuffed with a variety of ingredients that is typically eaten during the festive season. In this instance, though, the traditional recipe has been upscaled to feature a smooth truffle-and-meat stuffing, surrounded by generous shavings of black truffle. Rounding it off is a delectable porcini béchamel sauce that adds a creaminess to proceedings. In spite of the richness of the disparate ingredients, Chef Vallés’ adroit touch ensures a cohesive melt-in-your-mouth lightness.
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The cook then offered a sneak peek at the eatery’s upcoming Christmas menu with an appetiser of Foie Gras Royale. Although a deceptively small portion upon first viewing, its size has been specifically chosen to balance the decadence within; atop each thin sliver of bread, hidden beneath shavings of black truffle, is a rich foie gras concoction that will more than satiate any hunger pangs.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63379" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-lobster-rice-paella-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Next to arrive was perhaps Chueca’s most popular main, a sharing platter of Lobster Rice. A true labour of love, the crustaceans are delivered fresh each day and the heads simmered for hours to create a delectable broth, which is then used to cook the rice, onions, tomatoes and tiny morsels of squid. The finishing touch is a perfectly cooked whole lobster. Awash in oceanic accents without ever once overwhelming the senses, the shellfish’s flavours permeate throughout. It’s a guaranteed favourite of any seafood-loving gourmand, and perfect for enjoying with loved ones.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63376" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong-flan-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Finally, with our waistlines getting uncomfortably tight, a dessert of Flan de Nata – a Spanish take on crème caramel – hovered into view. Sweet without being cloying, the flan is a creamy, custardy plate of mouth-watering goodness, with the accompanying medley of diced fruits injecting a welcome tartness and an extra textural element to the dessert. Simple yet delectably delicious, it was the perfect note to end our flavour-packed tasting.
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<a href="http://www.chueca.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chueca</a>. G/F, 8-10 Gough Street, Central.&nbsp;(852) 2703 0810. <a href="http://www.chueca.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.chueca.hk</a>
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<h6>(Text:&nbsp;Tenzing Thondup)</h6>

chueca-debuts-twist-traditional-spanish-fare-gafencu-dining-restaurant-hongkong

Chueca makes Spanish tapas more inventive

Starting with a mouthwatering appetiser to the delicious main course and ending it with a sweet dessert, brunch is usually not just a meal but an entire experience. And if you’re in the mood for some culinary indulgences, we, at Gafencu, have put together a list of restaurants that are offering some of the best brunch menus with a plethora of culinary traditions to pick from.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>aqua</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50384" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aqua-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Bringing the best dishes from the Italian and Japanese cuisine to your table is modern restaurant aqua‘s Because Gold Room Brunch. With the restaurant’s Roma kitchen choices like the Antipasto Italiano to the delicacies like Hamachi and Kampachi from its Tokyo kitchen, you are in for a treat. Along with the meal, a free flow of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label&nbsp;Champagne option is also available for you to sip while enjoying the fine-dining establishment’s stunning vistas across Victoria Harbour. For discerning diners with a confirmed sweet tooth, the new Gold Room experience, situated in a separate room where you enter by showing a golden card, is the main reason you should not miss the brunch at aqua. Be it the macaroon tree or the chocolate fountain, the dessert room looks and feels like a fairy tale. Moreover, the restaurant is also offering a special limited-edition dessert ‒ Gold Ingot Tiramisu on January for the <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/chinese-new-year-gifts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chinese New Year</a>. This new brunch menu is available from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on weekends and public holidays until January 31, 2020. <a href="http://www.aqua.com.hk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.aqua.com.hk</a>
Location: aqua, 29 + 30F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Price: HK$688 per person + 10% service charge. Champagne free-flow packages from HK$588 per person.&nbsp;
<h2>Lobster Bar and Grill</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50388" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lobster-bar-and-grill-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Popular for its contemporary European cuisine, the Island Shangri-La’s high-end restaurant Lobster Bar and Grill serves an extravagant weekend brunch menu ‒ Lobster Boil that brings the taste of New Orleans to your plate. Meant to be eaten in the traditional way ‒ diving in with your fingers first ‒&nbsp; the dishes are served straight from the cooking pot on the table. Moreover, tipplers can also enjoy the Bloody Mary crafting session, along with live music by a Cajun band. With unlimited flow of dishes like whole Boston Lobster, Short Neck Clams, Blue Mussels, Razor Clams, this brunch is an entertaining meal, to say the least. Available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on every Sunday, the brunch comes with free-flow of selected Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Young Master Beer, Bloody Mary cocktail and juices. Click <a href="http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/dining/restaurants/lobster-bar-grill/book-a-table/">here</a> or contact via email (<a href="mailto:lbandgrill.isl@shangri-la.com">lbandgrill.isl@shangri-la.com</a>) or phone (+852 2820 8560) to make your reservation.&nbsp;
Location: Level 6, Island Shangri-la, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HK$898 per person + 10% service charge
<h2>Statement</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50389" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/statement-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
An experience that combines the art of tableside carving with soul-satisfyingly meaty meal is the Britannia Brunch by the British restaurant Statement. From the Tai Kwun-set culinary outpost’s signature dishes like Roast British beef with Yorkshire pudding to the vegetarian favourites like the Impossible™ beef, spinach &amp; mushroom Wellington with chimichurri, the menu is filled with mouthwatering choices. Besides the Salt-baked fish of the day which can be shared among two to four people for an additional charge of HK$228 is an absolute delight for seafood lovers. For desserts there are various pudding options including the British sticky toffee pudding and more. Available from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on weekends and public holidays, Britannia brunch comes with a free-flow of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne, wine and choice of cocktails. <a href="http://www.statement.com.hk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.statement.com.hk</a>
Location: Statement, Police Headquarters, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HK$628 per person&nbsp;
<h2>Tapas Bar</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50390" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tapas-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Known for its classic dishes that are enjoyed best when eaten shared, Tapas Bar serves the Tapas Brunch that comes with a range of Spanish treats. The menu includes the restaurant’s exclusive dishes like the tuna and watermelon ceviche, the traditional Spanish tortilla and more. Along with the dishes, the wine bar is obviously serving a free-flow of alcoholic drinks. Served from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Sundays, this brunch takes place in an al fresco setting.
Location: 64 Mody Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Price: HK$590 + 10% service charge per person
<h2>Honjo</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50387" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/honjo-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Known for its simple recipes that allow the flavours of the ingredients to stand out, the Japanese restaurant Honjo is offering a new brunch menu. Featuring a variety of sashimi, sushi, maki and oyster dishes created by Executive Chef Miguel Huelamo, the menu is sure to be a heavenly treat for all the pescatarians out there. The brunch also includes some Japanese starters and main dishes like Baked Chicken with buttered mushrooms. Moreover, this family-friendly meal also includes a dessert station in the end. Available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays, the brunch is accompanied by a free-flow of alcoholic drinks including sake, wines and cocktails.&nbsp;<a href="https://honjo.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.honjo.hk</a>
Location: 1/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Price: HK$468 per adult + HK$198 for free-flow alcohol and HK$98 per child
<h2>Chaiwala</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50385" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chaiwala-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
If you love the rich taste of Indian delicacies, Chaiwala’s The Holi Brunch menu is right up your radar. The newly updated menu includes street food favourites like Bhel Puri, Papdi and Aloo Chana. Following it for the main course, there’s an enticing array of dosas, biryanis and tikkas&nbsp; from which you can choose one. With curries being a very important part of the Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers great options including Kerala Fish Curry, Saag Paneer, Old Delhi Butter Chicken and more. Along with all these dishes, there is a free-flow of alcohol and the sweet yoghurt drink Lassi in three flavours ‒ classic, mango and banana. This family-friendly brunch is available from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays. <a href="https://www.chaiwala.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.chaiwala.hk</a>
Location: No. 43-55, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
Price: HK$298 per person + HK$180 for free-flow alcohol package + HK$120 for Lassi
<h2>Temakeria (TMK)</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-50391" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min.jpg" alt="brunch menus" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TMK-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Unlike most restaurants, Temakeria, one of Hong Kong’s favourite punk-themed eateries, offers two brunch menu options ‒ Light and Ravenous – so you can choose whatever whets your appetite. While the Light menu will suit the tastes of anyone who wants a light repast paired with delicious drinks, the Ravenous one will be loved by those who have suitably prepared to feast their hearts out. The selected food for these brunch menus include Karaage, Edamame, Wagyu Tataki and more. Moreover, there is an amazing list of hand roll choices, all mouthwatering, the only dilemma will be having to choose. Similar to the other Pirata Group restaurants ‒ Honjo and Chaiwala, TMK also serves the brunch menus from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on weekends and public holidays. <a href="http://www.tmk.hk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.tmk.hk</a>
Location: Shops G &amp; H, G/F and M/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Price: HK$198 per person for the Light menu and HK$288 per person for the Ravenous menu

Restaurants serving the best brunch menus in 2020

The first thing that makes The Optimist stand out is its abundance of space. Set across three sprawling floors in the middle of ever-busy Wan Chai, it&#8217;s a remarkable change from the hidey-hole eateries and self-styled speakeasies that are typical of Hong Kong.
<figure id="attachment_46845" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46845" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46845" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors.jpg" alt="The Optimist" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Optimists-interiors-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46845" class="wp-caption-text">The Optimist&#8217;s interiors</figcaption></figure>
This feeling of capriciousness pervades the interiors and even the menu at The Optimist, which boasts Northern Spanish cuisine. On their website, they proudly proclaim that they &#8220;grill things&#8221;.&nbsp; And if our recent tasting at the restaurant was any indication, they do a darn good job of that. We started with the appetisers in the form of Mushroom Croquettes. Served on a bed of black mushroom sauce, the bite-sized croquettes that were rich and creamy on the inside and just perfectly crunchy on the outside.
The next star of the evening was indubitably the Gambas “Al Ajillo”. A typical Northern Spanish dish, it is rendered even more authentic by the tender king prawns that are imported all the way from Spain. Cooked in extra-virgin olive oil with garlic and chili, the sweetness of the prawns is enhanced even more by the fresh paprika and chives that are sprinkled on top.
<figure id="attachment_46844" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46844" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46844" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist.jpg" alt="The Optimist" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-classic-Patatas-Bravas-gets-a-culinary-twist-at-The-Optimist-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46844" class="wp-caption-text">The classic Patatas Bravas gets a culinary twist at The Optimist</figcaption></figure>
Another popular dish from Spain to come tablewards was the Patatas Bravas, but the chef and his team at The Optimist has added a new twist to this classic dish by making layers of the potatoes, with paprika, served with the bravas sauce which has just the right amount of bite to make the dish mildly spicy.
<figure id="attachment_46841" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46841" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46841" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Enokitake-rice-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46841" class="wp-caption-text">Enokitake rice</figcaption></figure>
If the Patatas Bravas were all about innovative techniques, the next dish, Enokitake rice, was the very quintessence of comfort food. Served with three kinds of mushroom – white truffle base with Shimeji mushrooms for garnishing and black summer truffle – it was nourishing and creamy, making us reach out for seconds as if by reflex.
<figure id="attachment_46840" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46840" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46840" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Chateaubriand-Spanish-beef-fillets-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46840" class="wp-caption-text">Chateaubriand, Spanish beef fillets</figcaption></figure>
But it&#8217;s wise to leave some space for the Chateaubriand, the true star of the evening, that features Spanish beef fillet (which we ordered medium rare) with potatoes, spinach and beef jus. Interestingly, the beef fillets were served with baked potato gratin instead of plain potatoes which makes the experience more layered. While the beef is falling-apart-from-the-fork kind of tender, it&#8217;s the beef jus, which is reduced overnight, that gives it a unique rich texture, and ties the whole dish together.
<figure id="attachment_46842" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46842" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46842" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert.jpg" alt="The Optimist" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/La-pina-a-signature-dessert-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46842" class="wp-caption-text">La pina, a signature dessert</figcaption></figure>
Of the desserts, it&#8217;s the La Pina that caught our fancy, especially the grilled pineapples that paired quite well with the ice-cream. It was just the right kind of end to a wholly satisfying meal, one that makes The Optimist a perfect venue for a midweek date or a place to catch up with colleagues after office.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

North Spanish cuisinary The Optimist serves up generous portions in a generous space

In a city that&#8217;s notorious for its shifting allegiances when it comes to fine-dining, it&#8217;s no doubt an achievement for a restaurant to stay in business for 20 years. And that&#8217;s exactly the feat that Spanish restaurant Olé has achieved, not only by staying open for two decades but by serving to full houses for most of that time. Indeed, as our visits to this Central-located cuisinary on separate occasions revealed, Olé is as popular with the office-goers on weekdays as it is with the brunching crowd on weekends. And its popularity can be surely and safely be traced back to one thing – no-frills-attached authentic heartwarming Spanish cuisine.
<figure id="attachment_42557" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42557" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42557" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans.jpg" alt="Ole" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scampi-with-Pork-and-Beans-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42557" class="wp-caption-text">Scampi with Pork and Beans</figcaption></figure>
So when Olé launched seven new winter-special dishes this year, we knew it was something we had to try. And, boy, are we glad we did! The first course itself – Scampi with Pork and Beans ($210) is a specialty from Catalunya that has so far been only rarely served in Hong Kong. So it was with slight trepidation that we tried this unique combination of scampi with pork feet and white beans, but it proved to be an explosion of flavours in our mouth, with the freshness of the scampi combining perfectly with the tender texture of the pork and beans.
<figure id="attachment_42558" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42558" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42558" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Quail-in-Chocolate-Sauce-with-Green-Apple-Mash-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42558" class="wp-caption-text">Quail in Chocolate Sauce with Green Apple Mash</figcaption></figure>
The next dish too, Quail in Chocolate Sauce with Green Apple Mash ($180) was all about blending unusual flavour profiles, but it turned out that cooking with chocolate sauce is a tradition that is prevalent in Spain for centuries. The Spaniards clearly knew they were on to something novel here, because the flavours that hit your taste buds as you savour the quail infused with bitter chocolate and the sharp tangy green apple is unexpected in its deliciousness.
<figure id="attachment_42560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42560" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42560" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Caldeirada-Gallega-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42560" class="wp-caption-text">Caldeirada Gallega</figcaption></figure>
Having led us on a path of gastronomic adventure, Olé brings us back to familiar territory with Caldeirada Gallega ($388), a traditional seafood soup from Pontevedra in north-west Spain. Its unique cooking method ensures that all the ingredients – large chunks of octopus, red shrimp and clams in this case – retain their fullest softness and marine flavours. It was, however, the mild, aromatic broth, that won us over completely, while tying the dish in a fruitful fusion.
<figure id="attachment_42559" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42559" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42559" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Pigeon-with-Hunter’s-Style-Rice-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42559" class="wp-caption-text">Pigeon with Hunter’s Style Rice</figcaption></figure>
Next up was the Pan-Seared Royal Pigeon with Meloso Rice (Whole $380), another dish inspired by the Spanish hunting culture. In keeping with the traditional cooking style, the pigeon was served almost raw, which wasn&#8217;t something that we were expecting, but Chef Antonio assured us that this was the most authentic way to bring out the full flavours of the bird. Indeed, we let the meat speak for itself, so to say, as we savoured the complex taste mixed with spoonfuls of buttery smooth rice. However, this dish is not meant to be a crowd-pleaser, with both its taste and texture meant to be enjoyed by none other than a true meatophile.
<figure id="attachment_42561" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42561" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42561" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Iberico-Lamb-Shoulder-and-Morter-Potatoes-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42561" class="wp-caption-text">Iberico Lamb Shoulder and Morter Potatoes</figcaption></figure>
Instead if you&#8217;d rather order the most popular dish on the menu, that would undoubtedly be the Iberico Lamb Shoulder and Mortar Potatoes ($630). While we were familiar with Iberico pork, this was our first tryst with the Iberico lamb, which we were told, had been especially grain-fed to give it the same tenderness as that of its boarish namesake. To further ensure enhanced flavours, the meat is then slow-cooked for 12 hours and roasted to give the skin a crispy finish before being served. The end result is an aromatic, succulent piece of meat that literally melts in the mouth in a moment. Accompanied by the creamy mashed potatoes sourced from Aragon, it&#8217;s a smooth, soft, wholly satisfying sensation all the way from our mouth to the belly.
<figure id="attachment_42562" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42562" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42562" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cheesecake-Crumble-and-Fig-Preserve-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42562" class="wp-caption-text">Cheesecake, Crumble and Fig Preserve</figcaption></figure>
Though we had hardly any space left for dessert, the homemade Cheesecake, Crumble and Fig Preserve ($110) looked too tempting to pass. Distinctly less sweet than the New York style of cheesecake, it even works for someone who doesn&#8217;t have much of a sweet tooth. The other dessert, the Turron Fondant ($90), however, turned out to perform better in the taste department than in the looks department, with Chef Antonio cleverly combining Turron marzipan and the French-style fondant cake, by using Turron marzipan imported from Spain to create a marzipan lava cake, filled with warm fudgy almond marzipan. Sweet heavens, we say!
<figure id="attachment_42563" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42563" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42563" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/466x700-1-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42563" class="wp-caption-text">Turron Fondant</figcaption></figure>
After such a sumptuous gourmet experience, there&#8217;s really only one regret we have, that it&#8217;s only on offer for a very limited time. So for those who want to embark on a similar Spanish culinary adventure, head to Olé without further ado, for these delectable dishes are on offer only till 28 February. &nbsp;
Olé Spanish Restaurant &amp; Wine Bar 
Address: 1/F, Shun Ho Tower, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central 
Reservation: (852) 2523 8624&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Spanish Spread: Olé offers Spanish hunting menu this winter

To celebrate its 20th anniversary in Hong Kong, Spanish restaurant Olé in Central is offering a lavish nine-course brunch. Available on every Saturday and public holiday from now on, the brunch recreates Olé’s most favourite dishes from the past 20 years.
<figure id="attachment_38112" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38112" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38112" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts.jpg" alt="Olé" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Olé-offers-seven-starters-and-three-welcome-couverts-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38112" class="wp-caption-text">Olé offers seven starters and three welcome couverts</figcaption></figure>
Head Chef, Jesus Pascual, who started his career at three-Michelin-star Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain, emphasizes on authenticity in each dish, right from the starters. Whether it’s the Iberico ham with tomato bread or Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish cold soup, every dish is true to Chef Pascual’s Spanish roots. Our personal favourites were the grilled octopus with paprika and aioli, and the stuffed baby squids in ink sauce. Both the tapas had a rich fullness and a slightly chewy texture which appealed to the seafood lovers in us. The other seafood starter – the sizzling garlic prawns wasn’t a standout dish, sadly, but the next starter – Spanish peppers stuffed with codfish and pepper sauce more than made up for it. The peppers had just the right amount of bite mixed with a slight hidden sweetness which would make it a favourite even with those who don’t enjoy spicy food.
<figure id="attachment_38113" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38113" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38113" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé.jpg" alt="Olé" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Six-main-courses-at-Olé-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38113" class="wp-caption-text">Six main courses at Olé</figcaption></figure>
Moving on to the mains, those who love seafood will be spoilt for choice with the traditional Spanish seafood paella, Spanish squid-ink rice, and codfish in green sauce with clam and shrimp – a staple in Spain’s Basque Country, where Chef Pascual spent some years working. Those feeling more carnivorous can try the Segovia-style roasted suckling pig or the baby lamp chops. The roasted pig was delightful in its minimalism – with a crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat inside. The emphasis was solely on the succulence and sweetness of the meat, undulated by excessive seasoning. The baby lamb chops were again prepared by grilling alone, with just the right amount of seasoning to bring out its meaty flavours. The only downside was that the meat itself was a tad dry though – but with the fat fries and the veggies, it made a rather wholesome meal.
<figure id="attachment_38111" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38111" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38111" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from.jpg" alt="Olé" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Four-desserts-to-choose-from-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38111" class="wp-caption-text">Four desserts to choose from</figcaption></figure>
With hardly any room left for desserts, we decided to try the lightest thing on the menu – fried milk with toffee reduction. Surprisingly light and fluffy, it was just the right note with which to end the rather generous spread. Someone looking for something more decadent must, however, try the Spanish churros with hot chocolate.
With a Spanish chef, rustic Spanish décor and emphatically modest Spanish cuisine, it seems that Olé has managed a winning combination.
Olé Brunch Details 
Available: Every Saturday and Public Holiday (12:00pm to 3:00pm) 
Price: Adult $380, Kids (4-9 years old) $228 (+10 % service charge) 
Address: 1/F, Shun Ho Tower, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central 
Reservation: (852) 2523 8624&nbsp;
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Spanish restaurant Olé offers nine-course brunch to celebrate 20th anniversary

Two of Spain’s top social media chefs Jérôme Quilbeuf and Miquel Antoja touched down in Hong Kong this month, courtesy of the summer showcase at Rustico, the rather-quaint Spanish restaurant tucked away in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_36995" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36995" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36995" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Guest-chefs-Jérôme-Quilbeuf-and-Miquel-Antoj-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36995" class="wp-caption-text">Guest chefs Jérôme Quilbeuf and Miquel Antoj</figcaption></figure>
Transforming Rustico into a fine dining mecca from 11-14 June, Chef Jérôme and Miquel’s four-hand, seven-course tasting dinner menu, Journey through modern Spanish cuisine, showcased signature items from famous Barcelona restaurants Nonna Maria and 130 Restaurant.
The culinary journey started off with Iberian ham croquettes – a crispy affair made special by truffle crème. The next appetiser – a mini version of Nonna Maria’s mini seafood pizza, complete with a Nonna Maria tiny pizza box – was extremely easy both on the palate and on the eyes, so much so that we can safely declare it to be the most Instagram-worthy dish of the seven courses.
<figure id="attachment_36996" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36996" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36996" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mini-pizza-paella-at-Rustico-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36996" class="wp-caption-text">Nonna Maria-style mini pizza paella at Rustico</figcaption></figure>
The next two courses, a sea bream ceviche with strawberries, sweetcorn and pumpkin, and a salad of hearts of lettuce with Romesco sauce were light and flavourful, but the dish that created a lasting impression on us was the duck consommé with foie gras Kombu seaweed and plums, thanks to its delicate and beautifully balanced consommé. The fresh scallop in shell and the juicy red prawn rice did not disappoint either, but were overshadowed by the next course – a beautifully braised beef cheek with Pedro Ximenez wine and apple coca. The melting-in-the-mouth-meat deservingly won its place as the champion of the evening.
<figure id="attachment_36997" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36997" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36997" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blanc-almond-manger-Mediterranean-Sea-water-ice-cream-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36997" class="wp-caption-text">Blanc almond manger, Mediterranean Sea water ice-cream</figcaption></figure>
The foodtastic journey reached a perfect conclusion with not one but two desserts – the Blanc almond manger with Mediterranean Sea water ice-cream and a luscious grand finale titled ‘Textures of Chocolate, Barcelona 2018’.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For food-enthusiasts who have missed the culinary journey so far, there’s still good news! From 15 to 25 June, Rustico returns to its rustic roots to showcase the celebrity chefs’ ten trendy tapas specialities, including the Nonna Maria-style mini pizza paella (HK$118), Iberian ham croquettes with truffle crème (HK$25) and the ever-popular red prawn tartare with strawberries (HK$108). Also on offer is a range of Spanish dessert specialities like pina colada (HK$70) and red fruit meringue (HK$70).
<figure id="attachment_36998" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36998" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36998" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico.jpg" alt="" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Prawn-tartare-with-strawberries-at-Rustico-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36998" class="wp-caption-text">Prawn tartare with strawberries</figcaption></figure>
Address: Shop G01, G/F, D2 Place ONE, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon 
Reservations: (852) 2743-4511 or <a href="http://www.rustico.com.hk/reservations.html">http://www.rustico.com.hk/reservations.html</a>
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Tag: spanish cuisine